Posts Tagged ‘bird control’

Bird Deterrents

Throughout the world, regardless of the crop, farmers routinely lose parts of their harvest to birds. Without some effective bird control measures, birds will peck away at fruits and vegetables grown in concentrated areas simply because they provide a quick and easy meal. Food storage areas such as barns and granaries also attract birds, causing loss and damage. Here are two of today’s most effective pest bird deterrents the pros recommend.

Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic

Ideal for farmers and growers, Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic devices broadcast bird predator and distress calls over wide fields. Birds hear the sounds and instinctively avoid the area. The highly versatile solar sonic bird deterrent can broadcast distress and predator calls for 22 species of birds. Unlike ultrasonic devices, which birds can’t hear, the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic is well within a bird’s hearing range. The device is built of rugged weather resistant materials. It is powered by solar energy and has a built in sensor to turn the device off at night, conserving energy. The built-in speaker covers an acre.

Bird Netting

Perfect for keeping birds from your grapes and vines, Garden Bird Netting is a lightweight mesh used by many growers. The netting is quality made from a durable, UV-protected polypropylene. It’s strong, lightweight, virtually invisible, and designed for temporary use. It’s available in two roll sizes: 14′ x 100′ and 14′ x 200′ and can be easily cut to the needed size. You can also choose from three different “mesh” sizes–1/4″ mesh, 1/2″ mesh and 3/4″ mesh. To simplify installation, you should invest in some garden bird netting clips.

Bird Net 2000™ is a physical bird deterrent that blocks birds from accessing an area. This heavy duty polyethylene bird netting will block birds from entering your warehouse, barn, and other feed storage areas. It’s made from a UV-stabilized mesh and comes in various stock sizes and custom cuts. Choose from three different mesh sizes, depending on the bird you want to exclude–2” mesh and 1-1/8” mesh for medium-to-large birds; and 3/4” mesh for smaller birds. Bird Net 2000 comes with a 10-year guarantee.

For installation information, visit our authorized installer page on our website to learn more about installers in your area.

Bird Control Training

Bird-B-Gone Inc.’s Bird-B-Gone University was recently audited for review and approval by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Bird-B-Gone received excellent remarks from the DPR as a four hour Continuing Education (CE) credit in Bird Control training.

Bird-B-Gone University, a bird control training course offered by Bird-B-Gone, was recently audited by the Department of Pesticide Regulation. The course covers many things commercial bird control installers need to know. The course qualifies as a continuing education course through the DPR. Bird-B-Gone provides this free training at their facilities in Santa Ana, CA at least every other month.

Mike Dougherty, a bird control engineer at Bird-B-Gone, was well received as the presenter of this course. “Mr. Dougherty was very knowledgeable in the subject matter and provided useful pesticide and pest management information,” says Lisa Estridge, Environmental Scientist with the DPR. “He presented bird management from an IPM perspective and encouraged attendees to use a variety of bird control methods, such as exclusion, sanitation and mechanical tools. His presentation included a PowerPoint presentation, photographs, sample products and anecdotes that made the course more relatable to the attendees.”

Bird-B-Gone University is designed to ensure pest control operators are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to properly install Bird-B-Gone bird control products. “All questions from the attendees were answered quickly and accurately. In addition, the course materials and comfortable facility, along with the announcement at the beginning of the course to silence cell phones, created an environment conducive to learning. Overall, the course was informative and well received by the attendees,” says Estridge.

Birds enjoy landing and roosting on awnings, especially if there is food to be scavenged. They leave behind a mess of droppings. This creates an unpleasant and unsanitary situation for customers. This mess can also stain or ruin awnings. Keep birds off awnings with bird control deterrents like bird spikes.

The best time to get rid of pest birds is when the first start coming around. Don’t assume they will leave on their own. If the area provides the right scenario, they may become frequent visitors. Polycarbonate bird spikes are great for awnings. Install the plastic bird spikes on the edge of the awning, where the birds enjoy sitting. The spikes create an uneven surface, making it impossible for the birds to land in the treated area. The birds will learn the area is no longer appealing and move on to a better landing spot.

Plastic bird pikes are available in different spike widths: 3”, 5” and 7” to cover different ledge and surface widths. Choose from seven colors: clear, white, tan, grey, brown, black and brick red. The bird spikes are made of a U.V. protected polycarbonate plastic. Since the spikes come pre-assembled in two foot strips with pre-drilled holes along the base, installation is fast and easy – cutting installation time in half. Plastic spikes can be glued or screwed to most surfaces.

Deter Birds from Ledges

Larger birds, like pigeons, seagulls and crows land in areas where they are not wanted, creating a mess and an unsanitary environment. Ledges make the perfect landing spot for birds to roost and look for food and predators. They leave behind a nasty mess of bird droppings, however. Deter birds from landing on ledges with polycarbonate bird spikes. Plastic bird spikes work well to keep birds away by creating an uneven surface, making it impossible for birds to land on the treated area. The spikes are humane and will not harm the birds.

Polycarbonate bird spikes work on flat or curved signs. Choose from seven colors: clear, white, tan, grey, brown, black and brick red. Plastic spikes are available in different spike widths: 3”, 5” and 7” to cover different ledge and surface widths. Since the spikes come pre-assembled in two foot strips with pre-drilled holes along the base, installation is fast and easy – cutting time to install in half. Plastic spikes can be glued or screwed to most surfaces.

Bird-B-Gone polycarbonate spikes are manufactured in the USA and carry a five year guarantee.

Every year thousands of protected migratory birds die in tailings or detention ponds used for industrial waste or filtering. Tailings ponds may contain bitumen, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, naphthenic acids, brine, heavy metals, and ammonia—substantaces that are harmful, even fatal to birds.

Heavy Duty Pond Netting is a humane bird deterrent solution that will solve this problem. Properly installed, pond netting creates a physical barrier that prevents migratory birds from landing in toxic tailing ponds or other water collection sites. The bird netting is stretched over these areas to prevent bird deaths.

Heavy Duty Pond Netting is made from a durable, UV stabilized Dupont® knotted mesh nylon and meant for prolonged use in harsh chemical environments. The bird netting comes in large stock sizes and custom cuts. It’s available in several mesh sizes–from 3/4-inch to 4-inch–to exclude a variety of large and medium sized migrating birds.

To streamline the proper installation of pond netting, bird control experts recommend the use of perimeter cable and accompanying mounting hardware. Bird-B-Gone offers an extensive line of bird netting hardware, which includes turnbuckles, hog rings, accessories, tools, cable crimps and perimeter cable. For best bird deterrent results, the cable should be set up around the area to be netted off. This ensures that there are no gaps for birds to sneak through, and that the netting stays taut and does not slouch. Once installed, the netting is virtually invisible and maintenance free.

Bird Repellent: Electric Flat Track System

Birds often land and roost in areas where they are not wanted. If you or your customer has a bird problem in an area where visual appearance is important, a bird repellent that is less conspicuous might be a good solution. Bird Jolt Flat Track is a physical bird deterrent that is virtually invisible, making it perfect in areas where visual appearance matters.

Bird Jolt Flat Track conditions birds to stay away from unwanted areas by giving off a mild electrical shock when they attempt to land on the treated area. The shock will not harm birds; it alters their behavioral patterns to associate the unpleasant feeling with the treated area, causing birds to stay away. The system will deter any size bird and works on buildings, signs, eaves and most high-profile areas birds land and roost. This electric track bird deterrent system has multi-patented anti-arcing and glue through designs.

Bird Jolt Flat Track is and now available in six different colors, –clear, grey, stone, black, terracotta and target red– to match most building materials.

Signs are important to businesses and communities. We look at them every day so it’s important that signs represent the business or town in a clean and professional manner. Larger birds, like pigeons, seagulls and crows land in areas where they are not wanted, creating a mess and an unsanitary environment. Signs are no exception; birds will sit and poop on sings, ruining the visual appeal. Keep birds off signs with polycarbonate bird spikes. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs and potential health and legal issues. Plastic bird spikes work well to keep birds away by creating an uneven surface, making it impossible for birds to land in the treated area. The spikes will not harm the birds.

Polycarbonate bird spikes work on flat or curved signs. Choose from seven colors: clear, white, tan, grey, brown, black and brick red. Plastic spikes are available in different spike widths: 3”, 5” and 7” to cover different ledge and surface widths. Since the spikes come pre-assembled in two foot strips with pre-drilled holes along the base, installation is fast and easy – cutting time to install in half. Plastic spikes can be glued or screwed to most surfaces.

Bird-B-Gone polycarbonate spikes are manufactured in the USA and carry a five year guarantee.

Types of Bird Spikes

Bird-B-Gone Polycarbonate Bird Spikes are used to prevent large birds from landing on flat or curved surfaces. Birds cannot land on the un-even surface created by the spikes and will move on to a better spot. Bird-B-Gone Polycarbonate spikes are an effective, humane solution for deterring birds from unwanted areas.

Bird-B-Gone Stainless Steel Bird Spikes come in two-foot sections, 50 feet per box, and are made of stainless steel pins in a U.V. protected polycarbonate base. The spike strips are available in four widths; 1", 3", 5" & 8" to match the surface being treated.

Gutter Spikes come in 2 foot long sections, are 5" wide, and are sold 50 feet per box. Each section has clamps along the base for easy attachment to the lip of a gutter. The clamps are adjustable, and will fit any gutter size.

Girder Bird Spikes from Bird-B-Gone are an effective, humane way to prevent large birds from landing on girders or I-beams. Birds cannot land on the un-even surface, or will be blocked from the area and will move on to a better spot.

Mega Bird Spike from Bird-B-Gone is a physical bird deterrent used to prevent large birds from landing or roosting. Birds cannot land on the un-even surface created by the spikes and will move on to a better spot. Bird-B-Gone Mega Bird Spikes are an effective, humane solution for deterring large birds from unwanted areas.

Larger birds, like pigeons, seagulls and crows land in areas where they are not wanted, creating a mess and an unsanitary environment. Taking care of bird issues when they arise is pertinent to ensuring you avoid unnecessary costs and potential health and legal issues. Birds sitting and roosting on a ledge or other flat surface will require a physical bird deterrent to get rid of pest birds. Polycarbonate bird spikes work well to keep birds away by creating an uneven surface, making it impossible for birds to land in the treated area.

Polycarbonate bird spikes work on areas like beams, ledges, under eaves, rooftops and other flat or curved surfaces. Choose from seven colors: clear, white, tan, grey, brown, black and brick red. Plastic spikes are available in different spike widths: 3”, 5” and 7” to cover different ledge and surface widths. Since the spikes come pre-assembled in two foot strips with pre-drilled holes along the base, installation is fast and easy – cutting time to install in half. Plastic spikes can be glued or screwed to most surfaces.

Bird-B-Gone polycarbonate spikes are manufactured in the USA and carry a five year guarantee.

Birds that gather in large flocks are more difficult to manage than a few pest birds landing and nesting on your property. There are many methods to deter birds but when you have a large group the situation can become overwhelming. At this point you should consider flock reduction. The best way to reduce a flock is by utilizing professional trap and release methods. While bird spike, electrical track systems or netting, will deter birds and keep them from nesting and roosting in treated areas, but then you will most likely be dealing with a large group of displaced homing birds.

The Super Talon Ultra Net Launcher is a humane method of trapping the birds in order to release them in a more appropriate environment. The net launcher uses compressed air cartridges to launch a weighted net up to 60 feet. The two inch mesh used with the net launcher can be used to trap any size bird. It comes complete with a carrying case and all necessary components and it can be re-used over and over.

Consider using trapping methods to get rid of birds on your property. There are professional services that will perform the actual trap and release of birds for you. Give us a call and we will help you choose the right trapping device and connect you with a professional trapper in your area.

Large Birds, like crows, seagulls, pigeons, raptors and cormorants, enjoy landing and perching in inconvenient places. These pest birds create a mess and sometimes cause damage and health issues by pooping. Some of these areas are unique either because of the small surface area or it’s an area with foot traffic, so unique solutions are required to get rid of birds in these areas.

The Repeller 360° is perfect bird deterrent for boats, docks, canvas, light posts, air conditioning units, signs, rooftops and many other areas that are small in diameter, made of unique materials or on slanted areas. Made of durable stainless steel, the Repeller 360° is attached to a UV protected polycarbonate base that spins continuously in the wind. The arms extend up to 6 ft. in diameter and have a reflective predator eye at each end. As the Repeller 360° turns, the constant movement creates confusion and the predator eye scares birds, causing them to avoid the area.

The Repeller 360° locks into place with a patent pending clip to prevent loss in high winds. It is very easy to install and you can choose from a variety of bases, including the sandbag base, boat base or railing mount, to secure your Repeller 360° where it is needed to keep birds away.

Birds love to sit and nest in high places that protect them from predators and weather. This means that places with open ceilings with beams and rafters, like warehouses or manufacturing facilities, are perfect for birds in search of a nesting area.

Birds will sit on beams, pooping and preening, which causes a huge mess but the acidic droppings can erode building materials. Bird droppings also carry up to 60 transmittable diseases and when dried can blow around in dust form and be inhaled by humans. Nesting also creates a mess and a hazard. Workers who have to climb in the rafters, to change lights for example, are at risk of being injured or picking up diseases. Additionally, droppings fall on equipment and product or anything produced in the open area facility, potentially damaging or ruining the expensive equipment and product.

This is a serious problem that must be addressed. The best way to keep birds out is to create a barrier that fully excludes birds from being able to enter the area altogether. Bird Netting is the perfect solution for getting rid of birds in your rafters. The best, most efficient and effective bird netting is the Bird Net 2000™, which provides 100% bird exclusion and is the #1 bird net specified by architects and government agencies. Depending on the size of your affected area, there are multiple options for bird netting

Bird netting requires professional installation and installation hardware. If you do not have an installer, we can connect you with authorized installers in your area to ensure your bird netting is properly installed and your bird problems are solved.

Large birds, such as pigeons and gulls, are notorious for landing on the ledges of buildings causing hazardous situations as well as structural damage and a very unpleasant visual appearance. Bird control is necessary to keep large birds away.

There are huge risks associated with pest birds on buildings and ledges. Bird droppings are acidic and can cause structural damage by eating through paint, some roofing materials and fabrics resulting in massive spending on restoration and/or complete replacement. Health hazards associated with pest birds pooping on and around buildings are serious since birds carry a multitude of diseases that are easily spread when droppings dry and form a dust that is sucked through AC units and then inhaled. And of course legal issues arise when slip and fall incidents occur on your premises due to messy bird droppings.

How do you get rid of birds on your buildings and ledges? Bird Spikes! Bird•B•Gone has top class bird spikes that will keep birds away. Bird spikes come in polycarbonate (plastic) or stainless steel and are the ultimate solution to getting rid of birds on buildings and ledges. The bird spikes are durable, effective and long lasting with a five year guaranty on the polycarbonate bird spikes and a 10 year guarantee on the stainless steel bird spikes. Bird•B•Gone’s patented technology on its stainless steel bird spikes make them superior to any spike on the market. Bird spikes are available in a variety of sizes (and colors in the plastic bird spikes) to suit your bird control needs.

Installing bird spikes will save your company time and money by ensuring birds stay off of your buildings and ledges. Installation is easy as bird spikes can either be glued down with polyurethane adhesive or nailed down. Bird•B•Gone also offers a free training class to guide installers through the process and if you don’t have your own installation crew, Bird•B•Gone can connect you with professional installers in your area.

Our online bird spike comparison chart or our team of specialists will help you determine which bird spikes are best for your bird problem. Keep pest birds away from your ledges!
We proudly make all of our bird spikes in the USA.

A sign for pharmaceutical compounding company NECC, a producer of the steroid methylprednisolone acetate, is seen in Framingham, Massachusetts. (Image credit: Jessica Rinaldi, Reuters)

(Reuters) – U.S. health inspectors found bugs, a flying bird and other unsterile conditions at Ameridose LLC, an affiliate of the Massachusetts compounding pharmacy at the heart of the deadly meningitis outbreak.

Westborough, Massachusetts-based Ameridose was closed on October 10 to allow state and federal investigators to inspect its facilities. On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the results of its investigation.

The agency’s report details a list of quality control failures at Ameridose, including a failure to test the potency of its products, a failure to properly classify patient complaints and the use of “vague, canned language” when describing negative patient reactions to its drugs.

The company, an affiliate of the New England Compounding Center, said it is in the process of preparing a full response to the FDA.

“Ameridose’s history shows clearly that we have not had any instance of contaminated products over the course of the past six years, which covers the manufacture and shipment of 70 million units of product,” the company said in a statement. “Ameridose is committed to addressing all observations in order to enhance our existing systems.”

The investigation of Ameridose follows the closure of the NECC, which distributed thousands of vials of a steroid linked to an outbreak of fungal meningitis that has hit 19 states and claimed 32 lives.

Inspectors found that Ameridose failed to investigate customer complaints related to drug potency, under-filled products and syringe volumes. It also failed to classify “patient response” complaints as “adverse events.”

Several such complains referred to the drug oxytocin, used to induce labor in childbirth. One referred to “fetal distress and hyper stimulated uterus.” Another customer called to report an increase in post-partum hemorrhaging. Another reported that a patient had shortness of breath and that “the throat was closing.”

A complaint related to the painkiller fentanyl noted that the patient was “oversedated” and “unresponsive.” Another patient given the blood-thinner heparin experienced a “life-threatening” negative reaction.

Inspectors said buildings used to make, process, pack and hold the drugs were not maintained in a good state of repair. The firm failed to perform a microbiological assessment after “penetrating leaks” were found in a building and water dripping above the clean room.

“During the inspection we observed totes placed in the location of the penetrating leaks containing water,” the inspection report noted. “There is no documented evidence that the leaks were permanently corrected.”

Walls were cracked, corroded and covered with what appeared to be adhesive material in a room where sterile drugs are prepared, the report noted.

Equipment and utensils were not cleaned or sanitized at appropriate intervals to prevent contamination that could alter the safety, identity, quality or purity of the drugs, according to the report.

Certain metal surfaces “were observed to contain what appeared to be brownish structures, atypical in shape,” the report noted.

Moreover, the buildings used “are not free of infestation by rodents, birds, insects and other vermin,” the report said.

Specifically, insects were located in an area where finished sterile product is packaged and stored. The insects were also located within three to 10 feet of the controlled area where sterile products are manufactured.

At least one bird was observed flying in an area where sterile finished product is packaged and stored.

On Friday, Ameridose, which has the same owners as NECC, said it would lay off about 90 percent of its work force. About 650 employees at Ameridose will be affected, as well as 140 employees at Medical Sales Management, a company that provides sales, technology and human resources support to Ameridose.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – A Denver-based oil company has pleaded guilty to violating federal law in the deaths of migratory birds in fluid pits at the company’s oil and gas drilling facilities in Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska and has been fined $22,500.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana said SM Energy Co. pleaded guilty Wednesday one misdemeanor count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in each state. U.S. Magistrate Carolyn Ostby also placed the company on probation for a year and ordered it to make a $7,500 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The case dates back to 2005, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documented deaths of a dozen migratory birds at uncovered open fluid pits at Nance Petroleum sites in Wyoming. Nance later become an SM Energy subsidiary.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Wednesday announced that the bird flu having broken out four months ago in the western Jalisco state has been “totally controlled.”

“After 68 days with no new cases reported, we are entering the stage of eradication” of the H7N3 virus, Calderon said at the presidential residence.

Mexico will recover very soon from the highly dangerous avian influenza, he said, stressing that the control of this disease is the result of “great effort of the government and producers.”

Among the measures, he said the culling of over 22 million chickens, the establishment of a sanitary cordon and the development of an “effective vaccine against the disease, are crucial to control the virus quickly and decisively.”

In the past months, “around 140 million doses of vaccine have been applied, and we also have a sufficient reserve bank to use if necessary,” the president said.

Thanks to efforts to restore the productive capacity of the farming, Mexico is expected to recover in November the number of laying hens to the level prior to the outbreak of the avian influenza, he said.

Calderon noted that the goal now is to stimulate the creation of new chicken producers’ centers in other parts of Mexico to diversify regional egg production and prevent such an impact in the future. However, Jaime Crivelli, president of the National Poultry Union, criticized the government for minimizing the impact of the bird flu on egg production.

As a response, Calderon said his government acted in time, because otherwise the damage to egg production would have been irreversible in his country, the fifth largest producer in the world and the largest per capita egg consumer.

He announced a support of $16.6 million (215 million pesos)in normalizing egg production and credits for those who want to engage in egg production.

The president noted that so far 65 percent of egg production has been restored. Besides, the country has imported nearly 14,000 tons of eggs, mainly from the United States, to meet demand.

Proposals to install pigeon-guarding systems have been put forward for the Bridewell and Shirehall, following a successful application for a similar idea at Norwich Castle. Mess on the pavement outside the Shirehall, in Market Avenue, below where the pigeons roost, affects access to the building for visitors according to planning documents from the Norfolk museums service.

The papers add that the droppings are also causing white staining to the stonework, which cleaning is “unlikely to remove”, as well as health and safety issues. At the Bridewell, the documents state the volume of pigeon waste creates a risk of “slipping on wet foul”.

Measures to deter pigeons from sills and ledges in the museum’s central courtyard were installed during a recent £1.5m refurbishment. But the plans reveal these are ineffective in many areas.

There are concerns at both sites that the mess stops workers being able to reach and clean out gutters and pipes to stop them getting blocked. There is a risk water could seep into the walls and damage the buildings’ walls if these are not unblocked.

Posts with thin wire on them are proposed for both buildings. These aim to stop pigeons from being able to roost or perch.

Museum officials are also bidding for cash to fund a similar defence system at Norwich Castle after the city council approved the plan. It is hoped these measures will protect the 11th century structure from further damage. The post and wire system was trialled and also checked by English Heritage before permission was granted, to try and ensure it will not ruin the appearance of the castle.

Stuart Garner, operations manager for Norwich museums, said: “We’ve had the pilot and we all agreed on the best way forward with English Heritage. We’ve got the majority of listed-building consent. Now, it’s preparing the documents for the funding.”

Mr Garner said it was Norfolk County Council’s responsibility to look after the attractions, but the city council has agreed to contribute 30pc toward the costs of pigeon-proofing them. No cost figures have yet to be made public.

Dr Will Fletcher, English Heritage’s inspector of ancient monuments in Norfolk, said it is difficult trying to protect historic buildings from pigeons.

But he said it involved pinpointing the ideal roosting locations and then installing new equipment without damaging the fabric of the building while ensuring it is “sympathetic” to its appearance.

Dr Fletcher said of the Norwich Castle plans: “It can all be taken away without damaging the fabric and leaving the castle intact.

“We will come back six to eight months or a year later down the line to see how effective it’s been.

“We are aware of the fact pigeons can be a problem elsewhere. We’ve talked about the issues, falconry and other options around the town but it pushes it from one place to another.

“There will be an ongoing issue and it’s really something for the people of Norwich to get involved in and we welcome their views.”

Southern California Radio Host Calls for Much Needed Bird Control Action

Accumulated bird dropping have created quite the stink at La Jolla Cove, giving local San Diego residents something to complain about. Merchants say the smell from the accumulated bird droppings have been driving away business and sickening patrons. Recently, the New York Times reported on the incident, bringing the problem into the national light, generating embarrassing publicity or the scenic spot.
This problem can be easily fixed with the following bird deterrents from Bird-B-Gone:

Bird Traps: A “live” bird trap that captures pest birds for later release or relocation

Bird Chase: Super Sonic: A bird sound system that is ideal for keeping birds out of open, outdoor spaces

Bird Spikes: Spikes used to humanely prevent birds from landing on unwanted surfaces

The above bird problem can happen anywhere – the key is to have access to the proper bird control products to rectify the situation and ensure the birds do not return and the patrons remain happy and healthy.

As seen in Will and Guy’s Strange But True Stories of Dangerous Seagulls, workers at a weather forecasting facility in Devon, England have resorted to wearing crash helmets to protect themselves from dive-bombing seagulls. It seems flocks of seagulls have been attacking staff gathering weather data from the roof of council offices in Newton Abbot (a market town and civil parish in the Teignbridge District of Devon on the River Teign).

One victim noted that the gull attacks can quickly go from bad to worse. He indicated that more gulls seem to be on the attack every year—and that this is his fourth year in dealing with the aggressive gulls. He recounted how the big gulls swoop down on his head followed by half a dozen others that dive-bomb him. He described the situation as very distressing, but noted that at least he now has a helmet to protect his head and face.

Unless discouraged by bird control measures, large birds like gulls will gather and roost around buildings and structures near bodies of water. In seaside towns worldwide, seagull attacks have been on the rise. The gulls can pose quite a problems for people working near gull nests. The large birds can easily reach speeds of up to 25 mph and rake heads with their sharp claws. Large gulls like the abundant herring gull have 4.5-foot wingspans and weigh over 2 pounds, which is why they can inflict some pretty nasty injuries.

Fortunately, workers around or near bodies of water don’t have to put up with gulls and the problems they bring. Today, there are many effective and humane bird deterrent measures one can turn to. Here are just a few:

Bird Spikes—Perfect deterring large pest birds like gulls,Bird Spikes have proven themselves time and again. The spiked strips are blunted and safe for birds, yet they will not allow the birds to land. They are available in stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. For really large birds, invest in the Mega Spike, which features huge 7-inch spikes.

Bird Slopes—The bird control device, you’ll never notice, bird slopes blend in with your architecture, creating a slippery surface birds will simply slide off of. Ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches gulls often use to roost and nest. The panels are easily installed using nails, screws or glue.

Bird Foggers and Misters—If you already have flocks of gulls that won’t budge, Foggers and Misters deliver a fine mist of food-grade methyl anthranilate to the infested area. This grape extract irritates gulls, yet is harmless to gulls and humans.

Bird Scare Deterrents—Easy to install just about anywhere, these bird deterrents consist of foils, shiny tape banners and balloons that crackle in the breeze and reflect flashes of sunlight to make gulls too nervous to stay. Balloons have the added intimidation of a giant predator eye.